August is National Make-A-Will Month. Here’s why that should matter to you.
At Ingle Law, we’ve heard it all:
“I know, I know – we need to get our Wills done, we’ve just been busy.”
“We don’t have kids yet, so there’s no rush.”
“Estate planning is for people with real money.”
If any of these sound like you, you’re not alone. According to Caring.com’s 2024 Wills and Estate Planning Study, two out of three Americans don’t have a Will.
That means the majority of people, across every income level, are leaving the future of their families, finances, and medical wishes up to chance.
This National Make-A-Will Month, we want to help Massachusetts families take one important step forward: finally getting that Will done.
What a Will Really Does (and Why It’s Not Just About Death)
Let’s start by debunking a myth: Wills are not just for old people or wealthy people. A Will is simply a legal tool that puts you in control. It lets you decide who…
- Inherits what you own
- Should take care of your minor children
- You trust to wrap up your affairs when the time comes
Without a Will, the Massachusetts probate court decides all of this for you. That means your loved ones could be left out. Your children’s guardianship could be disputed. And someone you’ve never met might be the one in charge of your estate.
We’ve seen it happen. And it’s always harder, more expensive, and more emotionally draining than it needs to be.
Wills Are a Start, Not the Whole Story
During National Make-A-Will Month, we also want to stress that a Will is just one piece of a larger puzzle. A complete estate plan typically includes:
- Durable Power of Attorney – lets someone handle your finances if you’re incapacitated
- Health Care Proxy – names someone to make medical decisions for you
- HIPAA Authorization – gives your loved ones access to your medical information
- Trusts – can help avoid probate, reduce taxes, and manage assets for children or special needs family members
If you’re parenting young kids, caring for aging parents, or navigating a complex family dynamic, these tools are essential. Without them, your family may face months in court, high legal fees, and decisions made by people who never met you.
As we say often: Don’t unintentionally send your family to Probate Court.
The Real Reason People Wait (and Why They Shouldn’t)
In our guide, Finally Get Your Will Done, we call out three myths that keep people stuck:
- “I’m too young.”
Young adults face the same risks as anyone else. Accidents happen all the time. What if you’re incapacitated in an accident? Without a Health Care Proxy or Power of Attorney, your family must go to probate court just to make medical or financial decisions for you.
- “I need to figure it all out before I call a lawyer.”
Nope. That’s our job. We walk clients through every step, helping them understand their options and make confident decisions without overwhelm.
- “I don’t know who to count on.”
It’s okay if you’re unsure. You don’t need to pick someone perfect forever. You just need to name someone who’s right for right now. You can always update your plan.
Real Stories. Real Stakes.
Prince, Aretha Franklin, Amy Winehouse, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Sonny Bono, and Pablo Picasso. All died without Wills. Their estates took years, sometimes decades, to resolve. But you don’t have to be famous for the fallout to be real.
One Ingle Law client came to us after a relative passed away unexpectedly. No Will. No plan. Bank accounts were frozen. The family couldn’t access life insurance. And funeral expenses were mounting. The grief was compounded by the chaos.
A simple Will, and a conversation with an attorney, could have prevented most of it.
So, What Should You Do This August?
Make your Will.
If you’ve already made one, review it. Has anything changed? New child? New spouse? New financial accounts? Massachusetts law, relationships, and goals evolve. Your Will should too.
And if you’re just not sure where to begin, we’ve made that part easy.
We offer a discovery session to help you figure out the best next step. No pressure. Just clear, thoughtful guidance from someone who’s done this a thousand times.
Or call 508-281-7900.
Not Sure Where to Start? We Can Help.
Getting your Will done doesn’t have to be hard. You don’t have to have it all figured out. And you definitely don’t have to do it alone.
Not ready to schedule an appointment?
Download our Free eBook: Finally Get Your Will Done to find out how to get started even if you don’t have it all figured out yet.
Remember This:
“You may delay, but time will not.” – Benjamin Franklin
Let this month be the one where you finally protect what matters most.
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